About Us

Brewster Public Library Mission Statement

Brewster Public Library, a service oriented library, which belongs to the Mid-Hudson Library System and the Putnam County Library Association, provides books and other library resources for people of all ages and the information and technology that they need to develop a life-long habit of reading and library use. The library affords the community the opportunity to participate in cultural, creative pursuits and activities. The pursuit of independent education is also emphasized by the diversity of the collection and interlibrary loan. The Brewster Public Library is dedicated to making the Town of Southeast a rewarding, attractive, and satisfying place to live and work:

The Goal/Objectives of the Brewster Public Library read as follows:

Fundamental to the Goals and Objectives devised for the Brewster Public Library are certain basic assumptions about its services and operations:

The Brewster Public Library:

Is a free public library

Provides materials on all points of view

Serves all individuals of all ages and respects their right to choose their own materials

Support the American Library Association Bill of Rights and the principals of intellectual freedom

Is responsible to the community served

Is actively staffed by committed individuals who work together to provide quality library service

Emphasizes a management style that supports involved and innovative staff

Click here for an application to join the Board of Trustees. You may drop off your completed application at the library front desk or mail it to:
Brewster Public Library
Board of Trustees
79 Main Street
Brewster, NY 10509

Library History

Edith Diehl started the Brewster Public Library in 1896 with a collection of 500 books at a storefront on Park Street. The present Federal style building donated by Andrew Ferris opened in 1931. The collection now contains over 25,000 items including books, newspapers, magazines, videos, DVDs, books on tape and CD, and Music CDs. Anyone living or working in the town of Southeast or Village of Brewster may apply for a library card which may be used at all 71 libraries in the Midhudson Library System. As a member of the Midhudson Library System, the Brewster Public Library accepts all borrowers cards issued to the residents of Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Greene and Columbia Counties.

The Brewster Public Library’s public access computers provide free Internet access as well as word processing software and the electronic catalog op library holdings of the Brewster Public Library and other libraries in the region. On site reference service is available by trained staff via the reference collection and online databases.

The library’s catalog and databases are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via computer from home or office. Cardholders may check their patron records, renew materials, place hold requests and search the online catalog.

The library offers story times and special programs for children of all ages; school visits,chess instruction, and homework help for children. Computers with educational games and software are available for use by children ages 4-10 in the children’s room. The library also offers computer instruction, lectures, art exhibits, writing and photography workshops, and book discussion groups as well productions by the Brewster Theater Group..

The Brewster Public Library is accessible to people with disabilities on each floor, and each floor has an accessible restroom. However, at this time we have only a stairway connecting the two floors. We hope to install an elevator during a future expansion project.

There are parking spaces reserved for the disabled near each entrance, but only metered parking is available for all at this time. Certain areas of the stacks are not easily accessible to anyone — staff is always available to obtain these materials for people who request them.

While everyone is welcome to attend our programs, we have not had any specifically designed for the disabled. We do make every attempt to accommodate all who attend our programs, and hope to provide programs for people with disabilities in the future.